Makeup expert Becky Eaglen, who works for Dior Backstage in MK, explains the importance of wearing an SPF product underneath your daily makeup in the summer to delay the aging process of your skin

What amazing weather we have had this summer. But don’t let your guard down when it comes to your skin – just because you are wearing makeup does not mean you are protected from the sun.

I like to think I know a few things about makeup, having been in the industry for nine years and worked on music videos, Halloween & beauty events, catwalks, countless photo shoots, short films and now for Dior Backstage.

One of the main mistakes many women – and men – make in their routine is not paying enough attention to protecting their skin.

Your skin is a large organ and needs to be looked after like the rest of the body.

The main focus for protecting your skin from the sun is SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – there are many products on the market that can be used underneath your daily makeup without that horrible greasy texture.

The higher the SPF the better. SPF 50 is the way to go as, not only will this help to lower the risk of sun damage to the face, but it will also help delay the signs of aging. SPF products will protect your skin against UVA, UVB and UVC rays which can still attack the skin on a cloudy day.

Dior One Essential City Defense SPF 50 (£42) and Diorskin Forever primer base (£31.50) are available at Debenhams

Please do not confuse products like these with suntan lotion – the two types of products are very different.

Suntan lotions are to be used on their own without makeup being applied on top, while high street SPF protectors sold by makeup and skincare brands are only for use underneath makeup – not instead of suntan lotion.

For a face, you would only need to apply a pea sized amount of your chosen SPF product as your skin can only absorb so much. If too much is applied then you will find it hard to apply your makeup on top.

Products on the high-street vary in price from £13 to £55, so there is bound to be one for everyone’s price range.

I prefer to go for a middle of the market product for my everyday use and my freelancing jobs, such as the Dior ones pictured on the left, and I keep a look out for the best ingredients like minerals and vitamins to help benefit the skin.

Call Becky at Debenhams’ Dior counter at intu Milton Keynes on 01908 295507 or drop in to see her in store.